The Snooker Players Championship is a professional ranking snooker tournament. It took place in Wolverhampton from 7-13 Feb 2022. We'll be discussing Zhao's form, Shaun Murphy’s chances of reaching final, and John Higgins' defense of his title.
Zhao's Form
Zhao's form at the snooker players championship was a definite step up from his BildBet German Masters victory last January. He defeated Jamie Clarke in the first round and lost to Chris Wakelin during the second round. Zhao battled back from falling behind 61-0 to win the frame with an impressive break of 71. Zhao won the match with four consecutive top runs and secured his third win of the season.
Zhao Xintong is a good indication of his potential as a world champion. He will face O'Sullivan in the final, who has been the king of the sport for so long. Zhao is the heir apparent to the current world number one.
John Higgins' defence of title
John Higgins won the defence of the title as champion snooker players. Mark Williams won the final, beating Higgins after reaching the semis in the UK Championship 2009. Higgins had a tough task, having to come back from behind to win the final. But he was able to score four century breaks in deciding the title. This was Higgins' third consecutive win in the competition, and he was first to win the title three times.
The Irishman was a masterclass in his performance. After winning the opening frame on colours, Higgins won the next seven frames. He was now leading by 8-3 after just three frames. Higgins responded with an 84 break to take the lead once more. Robertson got a chance after Higgins failed to hit a tricky yellow in his next frame on the baulk cushions.
Ronnie O'Sullivan's form
Ronnie O'Sullivan has reestablished himself as a major British sport and has been in excellent form at the Snooker Players Championship. His two-day victory at Sheffield has secured his world number-one ranking and made him one of the greatest snooker player of all time. He now shares seven world titles with Stephen Hendry and will be looking to win a supplementary title next year.
O'Sullivan took the lead in the initial part of the match. Fu, however, had a chance at making a break with the balls. O'Sullivan increased his lead when Fu missed his plant. Fu did not build momentum after the opening frame. O'Sullivan punished Fu with a break in the final frame of 105.
Shaun Murphy's chances at reaching final
Since his debut on the professional circuit, Shaun Murphy has been a consistent contender for the snooker player championship. Murphy's successes in the tournament were not always easy. In recent years, he sustained injuries. He had to have gastric sleeve surgery, and he was recently divorced. He also has back and neck problems.
Murphy has a strong record in the World Championship. He reached four finals, and won his first title in 2005. But he was in for a bad year last year and has had to overcome a tough season. He managed to reach the final in Sheffield last year and save his ranking. However, he is struggling in the current season and has had poor results. He has displayed good form at Crucible and may be aiming for the final.